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Thank you everyone for your support for over 15 years!
Health Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery
From more comfort and confidence to reduced blood pressure and a longer life-span, there are many benefits of bariatric surgery!*
For the Morbidly Obese
Morbid obesity can lead to a shorter life and many life-threatening health problems known as co-morbidities. Recent studies show that the risk of early death for those struggling with obesity is twice that of a non-obese person. With treatment, there is a better chance for enjoying good health and a longer life. One clinical study showed that gastric bypass surgery improves life expectancy in clients by 89 percent. *
Dedicating yourself to effective treatment is necessary for better health. Finding that treatment begins with learning how weight affects you. *
Obesity-Related Health Conditions
If you find yourself struggling with one or more of the obesity-related health conditions listed below, bariatric surgery could be right for you:
A review of more than 22,000 bariatric surgery clients showed improvement in or complete resolution of conditions including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea.*
Extended Life Expectancy
Reduced life span due to obesity is important to consider. Compared to a person of normal weight, a 25-year-old obese man has a reduced life span, and he can expect a loss of about 12 years of life. Bariatric surgery has been shown to improve life span by reducing excess body weight. In a recent study, bariatric surgery reduced overall morbidity and the development of new health-related conditions in morbidly obese clients. Bariatric surgery reduced the relative risk of death by 89% with an absolute mortality reduction of 5.49%.*
Resolution of Obesity-Related Health Conditions
Bariatric surgery has been shown to impact obesity-related health conditions. Recent studies have indicated:
- Through gastric bypass surgery, clients have shown more than 83% resolution in type 2 diabetes.*
- Clients experience up to 88% resolution in obstructive sleep apnea, while another group noted 75% resolution in hypertension.*
- More than 0% of clients saw an improvement in their hyperlipidemia.*
- In 2004 meta-analysis of more than 22,000 clients showed that those who underwent a bariatric surgical procedure experienced complete resolution or improvement of their co-morbid conditions including diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and obstructive sleep apnea.*
- In 2000, a study of 500 gastric bypass clients showed that 96% of co-morbidities (the study looked specifically at back pain, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and depression) were improved or resolved.*
- In studies involving more than 3,000 gastric banding clients, excess weight loss ranged from 28 to 87%, with a minimum of two-year postoperative follow-up.*
Obesity-related health conditions that may be improved or resolved with bariatric surgery include:
- Type 2 diabetes*
- High blood pressure*/heart disease*
- Dyslipidemia (lipid metabolism abnormalities)*
- Osteoarthritis of weight-bearing joints*
- Depression*
- Sleep apnea*/respiratory problems*
- Gastroesophageal reflux*/heartburn*
- Infertility*
- Urinary stress incontinence*
- Menstrual irregularities*
- Asthma*
- Skin breakdown*
- Swollen legs*/skin ulcers*
- Extremity venous stasis*
| Gastric Bypass | Adjustible Gastric Banding | |
|---|---|---|
| Gold Standard | USA | Australia/Europe |
| Type 2 Diabetes | 83.7% resolved, within days of surgery | 47.9% resolved |
| Hyperlipidemia | 96.9% resolved | Significant improvement in overall cholesterol occurred, including a boost in HDL levels. |
| Hypertension | 75.4% resolved 87.1% resolved or improved | 70.8% resolved or improved |
| Weight Reduction | 61.6% excess weight loss | 47% excess weight loss |
| Reversible/Adjustable | No/No | Yes/Yes |
| Foreign Material | None | Implanted Device |
| Weight Loss Pattern | Quick & easier initial weight loss | Slower & more difficult initial weight loss |
Surgical treatment, although not without risk, is the most effective long-term treatment for extreme obesity and is likely to be used more widely given that the number of Americans with a BMI >40 has nearly tripled in the last decade. In 2004, approximately 140,600 bariatric surgery and revision bariatric surgery procedures were performed in order to treat morbid obesity.*
Lifestyle Opportunities
Bariatric surgery, whether it is gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, or other surgery, can reduce excess body weight and improve clients lives in many ways. Some benefits are common among clients; others are unique to each individual client.*
Here are some of the surgery benefits clients have described:
- Improved job or career prospects
- Reduced shortness of breath
- Increased energy level
- Regularly get a good night of sleep
- Greater confidence
- Improved dating life
- Greater variety in choice of clothes
- Exercise is more rewarding
Some additional comments from our clients:
- “I put on a bathing suit for the first time in 22 years.”
- “It’s more enjoyable to be outdoors.”
- “I’m able to ride roller coasters with my daughter.”
- “I walk further than I used to.”
- “Now I ride my bike, walk, and go hunting and fishing.”
- “It’s easier to play and be active with my family.”
- “Traveling is more enjoyable.”
*These are actual testimonials, however, individual results may vary. Price depends on multiple factors including health history and known insurance benefits. Program does not include airfare or meals.
